We are asked this by families as often as by applicants, and the answer matters to both. The people we take on are the people who will be in your mother's kitchen at seven in the morning.
What we look for first
What we can teach
Moving and handling, medication, dementia awareness, safeguarding, personal care technique — all of it is trained, and none of it is a reason to rule somebody out at application. We have taken on excellent carers who had never worked in care and had spent ten years looking after their own family.
What we check, every time
An enhanced DBS check, references we actually follow up by telephone, and the right to work in the UK. No exceptions and no starting before it is complete, however short-staffed a week looks.
If you are thinking about applying
Have a look at what is open on our careers page. If nothing fits but you think you would be good at this, say so anyway — we would rather hear from the right person at the wrong moment than not hear from them.
This article provides general information only and is not a substitute for personalised professional or medical advice. If you have an urgent health concern, call 111, or 999 in an emergency.